Italy's defence was up to par as they clinched a vital victory over Cuba on Sunday

Andria, Italy, June 5, 2011 - Italy sealed a thrilling 3-2 (25-14, 23-25, 25-17, 22-25, 18-17) win over Cuba on Sunday night as the hosts remained unbeaten as the second weekend of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball World League drew to a close.

The win, in front of more than 4,700 fans at Palazzetto dello Sport in Andria, means Italy end the weekend on top of Pool D with four wins from as many matches.

Both teams started the game with the same line-ups as the match on Thursday. Italy started strong in the first set thanks to the serves of Ivan Zaytsev and an impressive attack and solid defence. The Cubans looked to fight back but Italy reorganised themselves to take an early lead.

Cuba began better in the second as they took the lead through good serves and an efficient block. Italy tried to close the gap thanks to great spiking and serving from Savani but it was not enough to recover as Cuba took the set 25-23.

Italy regained control of the match in the third setthrough good spikes as the hosts eventually found their rhythm to gain control of the match.

The third set was a see-saw affair as the two sides traded points throughout. But it was Italy who clambered ahead as they took control of the game again.

The fourth was another tight affair but it was the visiting Cuban side who had the last word as they took it to a tie breaker.

Italy went down early in the fifth but the home fans buoyed them as they eventuallz clinched the win.

Both teams will play away next week with Italy facing Korea in Incheon and Cuba against France in Tourse and Toulouse.